September - October 2010
John Christianson, Editor
N u r s e r y & Greenhouse
An Enticing Selection of Common and Uncommon Plants . . . Friendly Service . . . Expert Advice
Garlic: Russian Penicillin
Harvesting, curing and storing garlic brings remembrances of my Pop. It is the vision of Russian immigrants with braids
of garlic draped around their necks that reminds me of him. It was not the culinary arts that made him even think of garlic.
It was all the colds that we shared in our family that would make him suggest, with a smile on his face, that we should be
wearing garlic around our necks as the Russians did in the small, rural village in North Dakota where he spent much of his
childhood. He was French and cooked as his mother cooked with thyme, sweet marjoram, parsley and shallots but never
garlic. Maybe back in the fifties those not fortunate enough to be born into a Russian or Italian family were not aware of the
goodness of garlic. And so I grew up with a vision of full-bearded Russian men in thick furry hats with garlands of garlic
laying across their necks and covering their chests in an attempt to ward off colds and flus. This is the only context in which I
knew of garlic until my late teen years when garlic bread became popular to eat with spaghetti. Now we use fresh garlic with
everything from pasta to chicken to beef to salads. I cannot imagine anything more important to our meals than the flavor of
garlic. The aroma of a pot roast browning in garlic and butter is so much better than browning in just butter alone. I think it
does more for certain foods than salt. And now that I have grown it for a few years I realize how versatile the plant itself is.
The first year I planted garlic in the spring and because it did not have enough time to mature and look like the garlic from
the store by the first frosts I threw it away. What a mistake! I liken it to the sun-dried tomatoes I made many years ago and
threw out because they looked so unappetizing. Then I saw them at Johnny's Market in a huge glass jar for almost twenty
dollars a pound. They looked just as unappealing as those I had thrown out years before. And so I did some research on garlic
and now know to plant it in October and harvest it the following July or August when the green sword-like leaves have died
down by half. We dig it and let it dry out of the sun and then rub the heads with gloved hands until all the soil
and the outer dried covering falls away. We have learned to eat the hard-necked garlic first and to weave the
soft- necked into garlic braids to be used for later in the season because it keeps longer. We store the braids
in a cool dark place in our basement and enjoy it after the hard-necked is gone. We also know garlic is
good in every form and I did not need to throw our first year's crop away. We eat the beautiful looped
garlic scapes coming from the hard-necked varieties in salads and stir fries and we also use them in
flower bouquets. We eat immature garlic in every way we eat the larger full-grown heads. And we
use many heads of garlic for frozen pesto sauce that brings us a taste of summer all winter long.
In addition our extended family of children and grandchildren eat raw garlic for resistance to
disease. We each have a daily slice of raw garlic about 1/8 inch thick. Because of its sulfur content
it has drastically reduced the number of colds circulating in our families by about 75%. And so,
the Russians of the early twentieth century were way ahead of us in disease control and I smile
to think of the visual I had of Russian immigrants while growing up. I always thought Pop was
just pulling my leg because he also said they sewed themselves into their long-johns in the
fall and did not take them off until spring. Imagine what that added to the picture in my head!
September - October 2010
Toni Christianson
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Garden Gazette
Autumn Leaves
Each year as days grow shorter and nights grow longer, hinting of cooler days to come, the ritualistic
phenomena that is autumn’s changing leaves is ushered in. Trees that once bore varying shades of
green shed summer’s monochromatic palette to make a fashion change in electrifying shades of
yellow, orange, maroon and red. While maples bedazzle us and often monopolize this chameleonlike transformation, there are other noteworthy trees recognized for their resplendent fall color which
are appreciated by discriminating gardeners. Serviceberry (Amelanchier) is native to western
Canada and mountainous parts of western United States. It is a small tree growing to 20’. In early
spring it produces snowy white flowers that are followed by one-half inch purple berries sought
after by birds. Graceful and airy it exhibits new purple growth that turns to a deep green and
fiery orange in the fall. Serviceberry ‘Rainbow Pillar’ is a new serviceberry cultivar from Ohio that
produces beautiful white flowers in spring and mildew resistant summer foliage that turns a brilliant
red in autumn. Its strong upright habit makes it a good screening/hedging plant.
The Maidenhair tree (Gingko biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species having virtually remained unchanged for 150
million years. It is easily identified by its 3” long fan-shaped leaves. Its delicate soft green leaves persisting from spring to
summer turn a brilliant gold in fall. The gingko grows anywhere from 50' to 80’ high. ‘Autumn Gold’ is a popular male broad
- spreading variety. Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is described as sheer elegance in a shade tree. It was unknown in
the Pacific Northwest until about 1950. This medium growing tree has a pyramidal shape when young, later developing a broad
crown. It has notable stiff arching branches with shaggy bark. It bears distinctive heart-shaped leaves that emerge reddishpurple changing to blue-green as they mature. In autumn they change to yellow to orange to red and even maroon and release
a strong spicy fragrance not unlike cotton candy. It is common for several colors to be present at the same time. Described
as pest free and disease resistant these attributes add to the desirability of the Katsura that can reach upwards to 40’. A newer
shorter variety reaching 25' is ‘Red Fox’ known for its outstanding heart-shaped leaves that appear dark purple in the spring
later putting on a fall show with pink-red to violet leaves.
Sweetgum (Liquidambar) is a large tree up to 50’ with a pyramid-shaped crown that develops an oblong to rounded crown as it
matures. Its name derives from the brownish-yellow sap it produces when the bark is cut. Its dark gray bark forms scaly, regular
ridges. Its star-shaped leaves are a dark lustrous green that put on quite a show in the fall turning yellow, orange, red and purple
and persist late into the season. Its fruit are spiny long-stemmed spheres attractive to birds and squirrels. ‘Slender Silhouette’is
an excellent columnar form with moderate growth rate. Its extremely narrow shape makes it effective in mass plantings.
‘Slender Silhouette’ is a durable tree that holds its summer foliage late into fall. Liquidambar is an excellent candidate for moist
soils. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum) is native to the southeastern United States and competes with the dogwood in its
showy floral display. Growing to 20’ in the Pacific Northwest it has a distinctive pyramidal shape with branches bearing shiny,
bright green or dark green foliage. Branches droop toward the ground providing a graceful outline when planted as a single
specimen. The branching and persistent fruit give the tree interest in the winter months. Flowers which appear in mid- to- late
summer are born in terminal clusters of racemes which curve upward. The fall color is particularly striking displaying shades
of red and orange. Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica) is a member of the witch hazel family and like members of that
family puts on a fine fall show. Slow-growing to fifteen to twenty feet Parrotia offers something for each season: small ruby
red flowers appear between January and March followed in spring by emerging leaves in reddish-purple, later turning to deep
green; fall brings a showy display of orange, red and yellow, and in the winter the bark and trunk start flaking off to make a
striking mosaic of gray and white. Parrotia ‘Vanessa’ is a narrow version of P. persica growing to 25’ high with a 10’ spread. It
also has attractive peeling bark for winter interest. In the fall it displays yellow-orange-red-purple colors making it a striking
sentinel in the landscape.
Stewartia pseudocamellia is perhaps one of the most prized trees for area gardens and earns its description as an all-season
performer. Recognized for its branching pattern in the winter, camellia-like white flowers that appear in late June and bright
yellow, orange and red foliage in autumn, Stewartia never ceases to be a source of enjoyment. Stewartia average around 30’
and make an excellent patio tree or specimen for an entry way or as a canopy tree over a walkway. Stewartia koreana is a small,
pyramidal-shaped tree sporting dark green foliage that turns red to reddish purple in fall. Its flowers measure three inches
across, white with yellow stamens and bloom sporadically over an entire summer. For winter interest it exhibits flaky bark with
color ranges from gray-brown to orange-brown, often mottled.
Joanne Romann
(For a more in-depth look at trees and shrubs for fall/winter interest plan to attend the lecture presented by Ani Gurnee of Aulos Design
on October 16th at 11:00 am in our Schoolhouse).
September - October 2010
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Garden Gazette
It’s Pumpkin Time!
This year Christianson’s is broadening its Third Annual Scarecrow Contest to include decorated
or carved pumpkins. This contest is open to artists and novices alike who wish to interpret these
fall icons. All entries must be submitted to the Nursery by Wednesday, October 13th where they
will be displayed for two weeks. A ballot box will be set up for the People’s Choice Award
inside the Garden Store. The winning entry will receive a $100 Gift Certificate and will be
announced on Saturday, October 30th. All gardeners and Halloween enthusiasts are
invited to participate and put their imaginations to work in creating an original design
celebrating the season! Join in the fun…you might just be the winner!
Festival of Family Farms
The 12th annual Festival of Family Farms will be celebrated this year on October 2nd at Christianson’s.
This is the perfect opportunity to explore the grounds of the Nursery and visit our greenhouses.
Reserve this date and plan to join us for our scheduled activities:
For freshly squeezed apple cider visit our south greenhouse from 11 - 2 and see how
cider is made on our antique press.
Stop by the Beekeeper’s Display hosted by Austin’s Stilly Valley Honey from 11 – 2
and watch working bees in their observation hive. David Austin will be on hand
to answer your questions about beekeeping. And don’t forget to take home a bottle of local blackberry honey
(creamed or liquid, starting at $5 a bottle)
At 11:00 attend the complimentary slide presentation on “Care of your Dahlias” by John and Kathy Willson from the
Swede Hill Dahlia Sunflower Farm on Whidbey Island.
From 12 – 2 have your child participate in a Pumpkin Painting Workshop with Camano Island artist Bobbi Samples (cost
$3 per pumpkin).
Coming to Primrose
Continuing our practice of offering sustainable goods we are adding a new line of nightgowns from
Bamboo Dreams. They are cool when you need cool and cozy in the winter. We will also be adding La
Tourangelle cold-pressed gourmet oils from California to accompany imported artisanal pastas from
Italian Harvest. This colorful pasta comes in different shapes that are formed to hold whichever
delicious pasta sauce you prefer.
Time to Plant Bulbs!
October is just around the corner and it is time to think of planting bulbs for the holidays ahead or
for a springtime display in gardens and containers. For those looking for variety in tulips we have
fringed, parrot and lily shaped. Our tulips are categorized by the time they bloom so when planting
groups of early, mid and late-flowering tulips it is possible to extend the season from late March to
May. We also have the much sought-after alliums that make such a show in our Schoolhouse garden.
This member of the onion family has blooms in different sizes depending on the variety and their seed
heads add interest to fall floral arrangements. Other selections not to miss are our amaryllis, crocus,
daffodils, and bearded iris. Visit our Garden Store early for the best selection. Bulbs will be arriving
daily.
September - October 2010
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Garden Gazette
Christianson's Autumn Calendar
The ABC ’s of Home Brewing
kinnikinnik to Maidenhair fern to Western columbine there
are countless candidates for both sun and shade situations.
Consider “Going Native” and learn the basics of gardening
with native plants by attending this interesting class.
Saturday, September 4 1:00 pm
reservations required $5.00
Fabulous Fall Containers
If you have ever been curious about the process involved in
the home brewing of beer then this is a class you won’t want
to miss. Bob Toombs, owner of My Own Vintage in Mount
Vernon, will demonstrate the entire process of fermentation
resulting in a quality beer that you can make at home. The
classic reference book “The Joy of Home Brewing” will be
available for purchase along with Brewer’s Best equipment
and brewing kits.
Saturday. September 25 11:00 am
reservations required $5.00
Let Annie Reiss from Skagit Gardens help you update your
summer containers giving them a new look for the fall or give
you ideas for planting a new container to provide a visual
treat for your entryway or deck. The end of summer does
not mean the end of exciting plantings to showcase elegant
grasses, fall blooming perennials, sasanqua camellias and
much more. Annie always delivers a class that is both
informative and fun-filled so make your reservation and
plan to be inspired!
Hurry and sign up for what promises to be an informative
and entertaining program to start you on your way to
becoming a home craft brewer!
Heath & Heather –
Color for all Seasons
Saturday, September 11 11:00 am
reservations required $5.00
Gerry Wilson, Manager of the Heather
Garden at WSU in Mount Vernon, will
present a slide show on heath and
heather examining their differences,
plant selection, cultural requirements,
pruning techniques and propagation.
This program will also focus on the
design aspect of heath and heather
used in tapestry gardens where their
varied foliage and flowers provide
year-round color interest. Join us for
this presentation that spotlights one of
the most versatile plants for Northwest
Gardens.
Native Plants in Home Gardens
Digging, Dividing and Storing
Dahlia Tubers Made Easy
Saturday, September 18 11:00 am
reservations required $5.00
Sandy Koffman, Shawn Brown and Bev Reaume from
Camano Island’s Community Wildlife Habitat, will talk
about the advantages of “Going Native” in home gardens.
Known for adaptability to the local landscape, as well as
beauty and variety, native plants also offer multiple benefits
to the land, water resources and wildlife. For trees there
is the vine maple or Pacific crabapple. Shrubs include the
Pacific wax myrtle and the ever-popular red-osier dogwood
as well as salal, oceanspray, snowberry, mahonia and
Pacific ninebark. Groundcovers and vines offer additional
plants to satisfy your landscape needs. From bunchberry to
September - October 2010
Saturday, October 2 11:00 am
complimentary
John and Kathy Willson, owners of the Swede Hill Dahlia
Sunflower Farm on Whidbey Island, are local dahlia experts
who unravel the myths surrounding dahlia gardening. In
this program they provide a hands-on demonstration to
walk you through their fail-proof method of winterizing this
well-established favorite of many Northwest Gardeners.
John and Kathy will answer your questions and teach you
how to dig, divide and store your favorite dahlia tubers.
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Garden Gazette
Christianson's Autumn Calendar – continued
Fall Color Tour
Winter Care for Your Pond
This annual walk led by John Christianson has become an
anticipated event each year as the shorter days work their
magic on fall leaves. John will serve as your guide as he
heads toward La Conner Flats, the 11-acre English Garden
adjacent to the Nursery. This established garden offers
many visual treats for the gardener and you will have the
opportunity to view the many late-blooming flowers and
trees dressed in their autumn best. Participants should
gather at the Schoolhouse where the tour begins in the
surrounding rose garden. Rain or shine the tour will go
on. Following the tour Tea will be served by Margie Hart
at the Granary. The cost is $12 per person. Call 446-3190
for reservations and prepayment. Sign up early for this
popular event. This tea features sandwiches, scones, fruit
and dessert and is the perfect ending to an afternoon stroll.
Scott and Kathy Ramin of Stillwaters Aquatic Nursery
return to offer their advice on winterizing your pond for
the months ahead. As entertaining as they are informative,
the Ramins will share their years of experience with water
gardens and give practical guidelines for putting your pond
to bed. The latter half of the program will serve as an
organizational meeting for forming a Pond Club in Skagit
Valley with informal meetings scheduled to be held monthly
at Christianson’s Nursery. Whether your pond is small or
large or in the planning stage you are encouraged to attend
and get involved in planning topics for future meetings.
Saturday, October 9 1:00 pm
complimentary
Saturday, October 23 11:00 am
reservations required $5.00
Fall Berry Tour
Saturday, October 30 1:00 pm
complimentary
Trees and Shrubs
for Fall/Winter Interest
This annual tour is another favorite among gardeners at
Christianson’s. Once again the destination is La Conner
Flats and John Christianson will conduct the tour through
this 11-acre English Garden. Leaves have been falling and
now the showy jewel-toned berries of callicarpa and holly
stand out in the autumn landscape inviting local b i r d s
to feast. John will identify trees and shrubs
and answer your questions as you stroll this
bucolic setting.
Saturday, October 16 11:00 am
reservations required $5.00
Ani Gurnee of Aulos Design will be
the speaker on this timely topic of trees
and shrubs noted for their intense fall
shades of red, yellow, maroon and
orange. Valued for their striking
foliage or ornamental berries these
plants prolong the summer season with
their colorful autumn palette. In addition
many trees offer twisted branching or striated
or peeling bark providing visual interest in
the winter landscape. Let Ani familiarize you
with the wonderful selections that are available and help
you select the one best suited for your lawn or garden.
Following the tour plan to have
tea at the Granary.
Call 466-3190 for
reservations. Cost for this
delicious afternoon sampler
is $12. Hurry and reserve a
spot today!
Calling all Pond Enthusiasts!
At a recent program on Water Gardens presented
by Scott and Kathy Ramin at the Nursery it was
suggested that a Pond Club be started for this area.
Scott and Kathy generously agreed to help get a club
started and the first organizational meeting will be held
October 23 following their presentation (see above).
If you would like to participate or need additional
information please contact Joanne Romann by calling
Christianson’s Nursery at 466-3821.
September - October 2010
Reminder
We will be changing to our Winter Hours
effective Sunday, November 7
Closing daily at 5:00 pm
- 5 -
Garden Gazette
Autumn Specials
September 3 - 16
Fall is for Planting
roses, perennials, vines and hydrangeas
25% off
October 1 - 14
Conifer Sale
tall and dwarf evergreens including
spruce, fir, cypress, pine, juniper
25% off
September 17 - 30
Fall is for Planting
rhododendrons and azaleas, fruit,
flowering and shade trees (7' to 14')
25% off
October 15 - 31
Hedging Sale
laurel, boxwood, photinia, Japanese holly,
Leyland cypress, privet and arborvitae (to 8')
25% off
CLASSES & EVENTS
The ABC’s of Home Brewing
September 4
1:00 pm
Heath and Heather Color for All Seasons
11:00 am
September 11
Native Plants in Home Gardens
September 18
11:00 am
Fabulous Fall Containers
September 25 11:00 am
Festival of Family Farms
October 2
9 am – 6: pm
Digging, Dividing And Storing
Dahlias
October 2
11:00 am
Fall Color Tour & Tea
October 9
1:00 pm
celebrated November 5th - 7th
Winter Care for Your Pond
October 23 11:00 am
Fall Berry Tour & Tea
October 30
1:00 pm
360-466-3821 • 1-800-585-8200
Holiday Open House
Trees and Shrubs
for Fall/Winter Interest
October 16 11:00 am
Calhoun Rd.
Arts Alive and our
Weekly Radio Broadcast
The Garden Show
Sunday Mornings
With John & Mike
AM 660 KAPS • 9:30 am
Mark your calendar for
Scarecrow & Pumpkin Contest
October 15 – 30
9 am – 6 pm